TN: 1999 Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Shiraz

[markg]

The latest release of this superb wine, delivered to my cellar door only a month ago, this was the wine of the night and a stunner at a dinner we had here in Adelaide to welcome a fellow forum member (KMP). This is the second time I have had a Roennfeldt Road Shiraz and neither has dissapointed and each one has been special, something that stands out from the crowd and makes everyone take notice. The color was a deep purple, nearly black, leaving teeth and glass drenched with dark stains that would not rinse off for many hours. Although the nose is not yet as complex as the 1997, it was still concentrated and thick, steeped in rich layers of graphite, minerals, spice, musk, coffee and vanilla bean. I could have gone on sniffing for ages but eventually I succumbed and put glass to lips.. The palate was an extraordinarily, full bodied intensely concentrated powerhouse full of deep, distinct layers of mouthfilling fruits, with an incredibly long finish that lasted for minutes. Although I think the description has been used before with this wine, Steve exclaimed that "..its so concentrated its like essence of shiraz...", and yes, thats exactly what its like ! An excellent wine that is well worth its price.

[Gavin Trott]

The latest release of this superb wine, delivered to my cellar door only a month ago, this was the wine of the night and a stunner at a dinner we had here in Adelaide to welcome a fellow forum member (KMP). This is the second time I have had a Roennfeldt Road Shiraz and neither has dissapointed and each one has been special, something that stands out from the crowd and makes everyone take notice. The color was a deep purple, nearly black, leaving teeth and glass drenched with dark stains that would not rinse off for many hours. Although the nose is not yet as complex as the 1997, it was still concentrated and thick, steeped in rich layers of graphite, minerals, spice, musk, coffee and vanilla bean. I could have gone on sniffing for ages but eventually I succumbed and put glass to lips.. The palate was an extraordinarily, full bodied intensely concentrated powerhouse full of deep, distinct layers of mouthfilling fruits, with an incredibly long finish that lasted for minutes. Although I think the description has been used before with this wine, Steve exclaimed that "..its so concentrated its like essence of shiraz...", and yes, thats exactly what its like ! An excellent wine that is well worth its price.

I can but agree, outstanding.

The 1994 Veritas Hanisch was great also, and surprise of the night (to me at least) a very very classy O'Shea Shiraz from the Hunter!

[n4sir]

My tasting notes are finally up. Fill free to fill in the considerable blanks guys.

Cheers
Ian

[707]

The BIG mistake we made at our dinner for Mike (KMP) was to leave Mark in charge of his 99 Roennfeldt Road Shiraz because he put it into the mix too soon, it should have been last one tried. Some of us (who were driving) stayed sober and could have appreciated it last!

What is it about Roennfeldt Roads? I've had six or seven of various vintages, both Shiraz and Cabernet, and they are almost at a different level to other reds. There are only two wines my meagre budget allows me to buy and that I want to buy in the over $100 category Roennfeldt Road and Torbreck RunRig.

This one on Saturday night also proves that the 1999 vintage is no slouch at Greenock Creek, their Creek Block and Apricot Block from 99 are also great efforts that still need time.

It also shows that great wines like these are less prone to vintage variation, maybe it's the hand tending, micro management and tiny crop levels.

Thanks for bringing it along Mark, I can't add to others notes. If you haven't tried one, buy yourself a Xmas present, it will be the best wine money you've ever spent.

[Guest]

Mark...

As you can imagine the Roennfeld Rd Shiraz wines are very difficult to find here in the U.K.I have 2 bottles of the 1998 .I can also get hold of 2 bottles of the 1999(£120 each).How does the 1999 compare with the 1998 ?

Cheers
Enzo...

[MikeM]

Happened to meet Steve N (707) during a visit to the Barossa on 13th Nov. He noticed my Yank accent and took pity on me. Wanted to show me some real Aussie wines. Went to Greenock Creek and convinced me to grab a bottle of the '99 RR Shiraz - said I wouldn't be sorry. From the way youz guyz are gushing, do I assume Steve knew something?? My problem will be to have the patience to hold it that long, assuming I liv that long.

Cheers dears,

Mike

[707]

Aw, come on Mike, it wasn't pity, I just couldn't stand the thought of you being in the Barossa for just half day and missing Greenock Creek, Toebreck and Kaesler!

Yes I did know something, every Roennfeldt Road I've had has set me back on my heels so I thought twisting your arm to buy one at about 40% of the US price was a smart move.

Don't go dying on us before trying your RR Shiraz, maybe set a date of your 65th birthday, it will really be humming by then.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.